I second Melinda's thoughts. See what the Babylock Serenade offers. When these come out, the Quest Plus may be available for less. I just bought one for $1300, and I've read of them for as low as $1000. Try to get the kit of 9 extra feet. I didn't :( The Pfaff Smarter looks quite similar, but with auto cut, low bobbin warning, electronic tension and famous Pfaff feet. The Janome 6600 is also similar, and older. It doesn't have a free arm. It has a proven record of dependability and loyal users. The Janome Horizon has THE longest harp-11"! and the most features for $2300-$3000, but some machines have been troublesome. I might upgrade to it in a year or so, when the bugs are gone, hopefully. Elna has the 740 Xcellence, similar to the Horizon, but it's not clear to me if it has the APC, or automatic conversion to single hole plate. It's new, so the first model caveats apply. Bernina machines in your price range do not have anywhere near a 9" throat, but their owners love them anyway. The Pfaff QE 4 ($2000-2500)has some who love it, but apparently some lemons, too. Mostly, you need to decide if you want certain features like IDT/ Accufeed or if a walking foot is ok for you. The brother Laura Ashley ($2500) machine and Babylock Symphony are loaded with great stitches and feautures, but don't have the integrated dual feed. They also seem to have good histories.